Meet the plants: yarrow
The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity.
— Marcus Garvey
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow is a plant of history and healing. It has been a friend to humankind for a long time. Fossilized yarrow pollen has been found in burial caves that are dated up to 60,000 years old. A native of Eurasia, it has been cultivated since roughly 1440, and is now found widely across the world. The genus name Achillea is derived from mythical Greek character, Achilles. It is said that when the Greek hero Achilles was born, his mother held him by the heel and dipped him into a vat of yarrow tea to protect him from harm. Achilles’ army is said to have carried stalks of yarrow to battle to treat impending wounds.
Yarrow is used in traditional indigenous medicine across what we now call North America. Modern herbalists and gardeners extoll the vitalist and healing power of this prolific plant. The crushed fresh plant can be applied to wounds and burns as a poultice. The dried leaves can be used as a tea to soothe colds, fever, headache or a mild abortifacient. Many plant lovers consider yarrow “life medicine” for its multiple healing properties. Yarrow can even be chewed for toothaches and poured as an infusion for earaches.
In the garden, Yarrow makes an excellent companion plant for most herbs as it enhances the oils and vitality of other plants. In some traditions, yarrow is considered to be lucky. The stalks are dried and cast in I-Ching divination. In flower essence therapy, yarrow is utilized for spiritual protection and indicated especially to those who are easily influenced or affected by others. It is a strong ally when one needs to build or solidify boundaries, both physical and emotional.
Other common names common yarrow, nosebleed plant, old man’s pepper, devil’s nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier’s woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal— is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere. In Spanish-speaking New Mexico and southern Colorado, it is called plumajillo, or “little feather,” for the shape of the leaves. In antiquity, yarrow was known as herbal militaris, for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds.
Yarrow roots run and create networks of support underground called rhizomes that often thrive in disturbed soil. When transplanting yarrow it is encouraged to tear the roots and break them apart in order to promote stronger growth. Yarrow is known to repel some pest insects while mystically attracting pollinators. A study in opposites, many folx will rub yarrow flowers directly onto skin or clothing to repel mosquitos and attract good fortune.
Yarrow from the Incarcerated Mom's Garden at solitary gardens
Yarrow’s ability to encourage others growth and support other plants on their journey without desire for recognition or reward is part of what makes it an excellent companion plant.
How can plants like yarrow inspire us to be both enhancing to others and maintain healthy boundaries for ourselves? How does that relate to your understanding of companionship or community?
Where does the culture of individualism undermine your idea of coalition?
In what ways do you support others without the desire for personal gain? In what ways do others selflessly support you?
Yarrows roots grow stronger under the trauma of being torn apart. How is this an abolitionists’ reflection on community and coalition building?
Bre’yon holding a bouquet of yarrow & plantain.